Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (NIV)

Not long ago, my sister and I had a lot of fun using the photo booth software on her Mac computer. This program allowed us to take pictures with special effects that can turn our faces into the most ridiculous-looking images. Our photos were extremely hilarious, stimulating a lot of laughter and good cheer! I cannot remember a time in recent days when I laughed as hard; in fact, I'm still laughing now, even as I write.

Amazingly, there have been numerous scientific studies demonstrating the medical benefits of laughter. One such report is filed on WEB MD which documents how moods affect the immune system, thereby having an impact on our physical health. Like other research, this particular study found that laughter has a role in fighting many diseases because it has the ability to greatly reduce stress by changing the chemistry of the brain.

I am inclined to believe what these reports suggest, since today's Scripture also indicates the same principle.

Though I seriously doubt that any of us can be cheerful all the time, the Bible and science seem to agree that the more humour we find in our everyday lives, the fewer health problems we will likely experience. Therefore, we can conclude that God has a prescription plan for our wellbeing that is easy to swallow. Try a spoonful of cheer at least once a day and call on the Master Physician at any hour; He is always available to meet our needs. In addition, let's keep a daily log, then note how a cheerful heart makes a significant difference in our life.

Prayer: Lord, enable us to follow the excellent counsel of Your Word so that we may acquire cheerful attitudes in our daily living. Grant us a good-natured spirit that will attract others, allowing us to spread the joy and peace of Your kingdom to those around us. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, and for His name's sake, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA
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